when winterizing i would blow the pipes first then with a sump pump and a hose i would pump in a few gallons of pink RV type antifreeze with the faucets open until you get pink flow. i would drain the cold water heater after closing the supply valves . also i have used sex all through my house and love it. i would find a home depot and just buy a bunch of fittings,any and all you may ever use and then return what you don't use on your next trip to the big city.